Polk County Marriage Records Search
Polk County marriage records are available through the Probate Court in Cedartown, Georgia. The court handles marriage license applications and stores all completed marriage certificates for Polk County. Cedartown sits in northwest Georgia, and the courthouse on West Avenue is the single point of contact for anyone needing a marriage license or record search. The Probate Court staff can help with new applications, certified copies, and lookups of older records. Reach the Polk County Probate Court at (770) 749-2140.
Polk County Quick Facts
Polk County Probate Court in Cedartown
The Polk County Probate Court is located at 144 W. Avenue in Cedartown, GA 30125. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. This is the only place in Polk County where you can file for a marriage license or search for existing marriage records. Walk-ins are welcome, but calling ahead at (770) 749-2140 is a good idea if you want to make sure the clerk is available when you arrive.
Cedartown is about an hour northwest of Atlanta. The courthouse is in the center of town and easy to find. Parking is available nearby. When you walk in, tell the front desk you are there for a marriage license, and they will point you to the right window. The Polk County Probate Court handles a steady stream of license applications throughout the year.
| Address | 144 W. Avenue, Cedartown, GA 30125 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (770) 749-2140 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
How to Get a Polk County Marriage License
The first step is the online form. Go to the Georgia Probate Records site and start the marriage application. Enter names, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, and addresses. After you submit it, both people must visit the Polk County Probate Court in Cedartown in person. Georgia does not allow the entire process to be done by mail or online.
Bring valid photo ID. A driver's license, passport, military ID, or state ID card will work. If you were married before, bring proof that the previous marriage ended. That means a certified final divorce decree or a death certificate. The Polk County clerk reviews everything before the license is issued. If something is missing, you may need to come back another day.
The fee for a Polk County marriage license is $77 without premarital counseling. Couples who complete a qualifying counseling program pay $56. The fee difference is set by O.C.G.A. § 15-9-60. Cash and money orders are accepted at the Cedartown office. Ask about card payments when you call to confirm your visit.
Once issued, the Polk County license is valid for 60 days. There is no waiting period in Georgia. No blood test either. The officiant who performs the ceremony signs the license and must return it to the Polk County Probate Court within 30 days. That signed document becomes the official marriage record.
Note: The Polk County Probate Court may stop taking license applications 30 minutes before closing time.
Searching for Polk County Marriage Records
To find a Polk County marriage record, call the Probate Court at (770) 749-2140. Give them the names and an approximate date. The clerk can search the files and let you know what is on record. You can also visit the Cedartown courthouse during business hours. In-person searches are usually faster because the clerk can pull the file while you wait.
The Georgia Probate Records marriage search tool is another way to check for Polk County records online. Enter a name and select the county. If the record is in the state database, basic details will appear.
The online marriage search tool shown above covers many Georgia counties, including Polk County entries that have been entered into the system.
For Polk County marriages between 1952 and 1996, the Georgia Department of Public Health may have copies. Send a request to the State Office of Vital Records at 1680 Phoenix Blvd., Suite 100, Atlanta, GA 30349. The search fee is $10 and is non-refundable. Processing takes 8 to 10 weeks by mail. Call (404) 679-4702 for more details.
Certified Copies of Polk County Marriage Certificates
Certified copies are available from the Polk County Probate Court. The first copy is $10. Each extra copy costs $5. You can request them in person at the Cedartown courthouse or by mail. In-person requests are usually handled the same day.
For mail requests, write to the Polk County Probate Court at 144 W. Avenue, Cedartown, GA 30125. Include the full names of both spouses, the marriage date, and a money order for the fee. Add a self-addressed stamped envelope for the return. Mail requests take about one to two weeks. These certified copies are often needed for name changes, insurance updates, or legal filings in Polk County.
Marriage Requirements in Polk County
Georgia law applies to all 159 counties, including Polk County. Both parties must be at least 18. A 17-year-old needs a court emancipation order, and the rules in O.C.G.A. § 19-3-36 add more restrictions for minors. Nobody under 17 can get a marriage license in Georgia.
No blood test. No waiting period. These rules changed on July 1, 2003. You can get the license and marry on the same day if you want. At least one party should be a Georgia resident. Non-residents can apply at the Polk County Probate Court if the wedding will take place in the county.
Accepted ID at the Polk County court includes:
- Driver's license from any state
- U.S. passport or passport card
- State-issued photo ID
- Military ID card
- Certified birth certificate
Bring proof of how a prior marriage ended if that applies. The Polk County clerk will check for a final divorce decree or death certificate before issuing a new license.
State Resources for Polk County Marriage Records
The Council of Probate Court Judges website has a directory of all probate courts in Georgia. The standard forms page has downloadable forms used by every court, including Polk County. These forms cover marriage applications, estate filings, and more.
The Georgia Archives in Morrow hold older vital records on microfilm. If you need a Polk County marriage record from before the 1950s, the archives may be your best bet. These records are useful for genealogy and family research. The Georgia.gov marriage page also gives an overview of the statewide licensing process.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Polk County. Double-check which county your address is in before you go to the courthouse for a marriage license.